Printing apparatus having power supply connector arranged between USB-type-C receptacle connector and LAN or DK receptacle connector

ABSTRACT

There are provided a printing section that performs printing on a medium; a control section that controls drive of the printing section; a power supply connector that supplies electric power to the control section; a first receptacle connector that is electrically coupled to a first external device and configured to cause the first external device to communicate with the control section; and a second receptacle connector that is electrically coupled to a second external device and configured to cause the second external device to communicate with the control section, a plug of a USB-Type-C cable is configured to be physically inserted into the second receptacle connector, the plug is configured not to be physically inserted into the power supply connector, and the power supply connector is arranged between the first receptacle connector and the second receptacle connector.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JPApplication Serial Number 2021-140842, filed Aug. 31, 2021, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

2. Related Art

In the related art, a printing apparatus capable of printing on a mediumsuch as paper is known. Such a printing apparatus is provided with auniversal serial bus (USB) interface for coupling the printing apparatusto an external device or the like. The USB interface is equipped with,for example, a USB-Type-A receptacle connector for coupling the externaldevice that transmits data that commands printing to be executed and theprinting apparatus that receives this data and executes printing, a LANreceptacle connector for coupling the printing apparatus to a network,and the like.

Further, in recent years, there is an increasing demand for a printingapparatus capable of not only data communication with an external deviceor coupling to a network but also electric power exchange with thecoupled external device. JP-A-2017-226130 discloses a printing apparatuscapable of supplying electric power to a coupled external device via aUSB-Type-C interface.

However, in the printing apparatus equipped with the USB-Type-Cinterface described in JP-A-2017-226130, there is a concern that theplug of the USB-Type-C cable can be erroneously inserted into anotherreceptacle connector, for example, a USB-Type-A receptacle connector ora LAN receptacle connector.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided aprinting apparatus including: a printing section that performs printingon a medium; a control section that controls drive of the printingsection; a power supply connector that supplies electric power to thecontrol section; a first receptacle connector that is electricallycoupled to a first external device and configured to cause the firstexternal device to communicate with the control section; and a secondreceptacle connector that is electrically coupled to a second externaldevice and configured to cause the second external device to communicatewith the control section, in which the first receptacle connector is aUSB-Type-C receptacle connector, the second receptacle connector is aLAN or DK receptacle connector, a plug of a USB-Type-C cable isconfigured to be physically inserted into the second receptacleconnector, the plug is configured not to be physically inserted into thepower supply connector, and the power supply connector is arrangedbetween the first receptacle connector and the second receptacleconnector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printingsystem.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control section of a printing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a USB controller and a USB interface.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the USB controller and a USB-Type-Cinterface.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the USB controller and the USB-Type-Cinterface.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the USB controller and a USB-Type-Ainterface.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the USB controller and the USB-Type-Ainterface.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the USB controller and the USB-Type-Binterface.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus when viewed fromthe back.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus with a bottomcover and a back cover removed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a first connector surface and a secondconnector surface.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cash drawer with a drawer trayclosed.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cash drawer with the drawer trayopened.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a buzzer.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a substrate accommodated in a connectorsection.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a USB-Type-A cable, a USB-Type-B cable, aUSB-Type-C cable, and a connector section.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a state of being inserted into theUSB-Type-A cable, the USB-Type-C cable, and the connector section in afirst state.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a state of being inserted into theUSB-Type-A cable, the USB-Type-C cable, and the connector section in asecond state.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a USB-Type-C receptacle connector.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a fixing section when the first connectorsurface is viewed in a plan view.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing section and theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a first connector surface and a secondconnector surface of Modification Example 1.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a substrate of Modification Example 2.

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of anelectronic device.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, appropriate embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. The drawing to be used is forconvenience of description. In addition, the embodiments which will bedescribed below do not inappropriately limit the contents of the presentdisclosure described in the claims. In addition, not all of theconfigurations which will be described below are necessarily essentialcomponents of the present disclosure.

1. PRESENT EMBODIMENT 1-1. Schematic Configuration of Printing System

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printingsystem 1 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 isused in a store, for example, and has a function of performingaccounting according to products and services purchased by a customer, afunction of informing the customer of information related to accounting,and a function of issuing a receipt according to the accounting. Forexample, the printing system 1 is an example of a point of sale (POS)system.

The printing system 1 includes a printing apparatus 2, a smart device 3a, a customer display 3 b, and a handy scanner 3 c. The printing system1 may have a configuration in which some of these elements are omittedor changed, or other elements are added.

The printing apparatus 2 is supplied with electric power by beingcoupled to, for example, a commercial AC power source (not illustrated)via a power cable 5. The printing apparatus 2 to which the electricpower is supplied performs printing on a medium P, and the medium P isdischarged from a medium discharge port 13. In other words, the printedrecording part of the medium P is discharged from the medium dischargeport 13.

The smart device 3 a, the customer display 3 b, and the handy scanner 3c are examples of external devices that can be coupled to the printingapparatus 2 via a USB interface 60 included in the printing apparatus 2,as will be described later. Specifically, the smart device 3 a iscoupled to the printing apparatus 2 via a USB cable 4 a, the customerdisplay 3 b is coupled to the printing apparatus 2 via a USB cable 4 b,and the handy scanner 3 c is coupled to the printing apparatus 2 via aUSB cable 4 c.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the smart device 3 a,the customer display 3 b, and the handy scanner 3 c are coupled to theprinting apparatus 2, the number of external devices that can be coupledto the printing apparatus 2 is not limited to three. For example, thenumber of external devices that can be coupled to the printing apparatus2 depends on the USB standard. According to the USB standard, themaximum number of external devices that can be coupled is 127, and thusthe maximum number of external devices that can be coupled to theprinting apparatus 2 is 127.

The smart device 3 a is a terminal that can be carried by the user. Forexample, the smart device 3 a is a tablet terminal or a smartphone, andthe smart device 3 a includes a communication section that performs datacommunication according to a predetermined communication standard, andcommunicates with the printing apparatus 2 via this communicationsection.

Here, unless otherwise specified, the user refers to a salesclerk whoprovides products or services to customers, or a trader who installs theprinting system 1 in the store, and sets external devices such as theprinting apparatus 2 and the smart device 3 a.

The smart device 3 a includes a battery and operates by the electricpower charged in the battery. The smart device 3 a is supplied withelectric power from the printing apparatus 2 to charge the battery.Further, the smart device 3 a is equipped with various applications forgenerating commands, print data, and the like for controlling theprinting apparatus 2. For example, the application mounted on such thesmart device 3 a is an application corresponding to the POS system.

The smart device 3 a transmits a command related to control and acommand related to printing to the printing apparatus 2. Upon receivingthese commands, the printing apparatus 2 stores these commands in areceiver buffer (not illustrated).

The control-related command includes, for example, a setting command forinstructing format setting and a status request command for instructinga request for information related to the state of the printing apparatus2. In response to this status request command, for example, the printingapparatus 2 transmits information indicating that printing is completedto the smart device 3 a.

The command related to printing includes, for example, a print commandfor instructing printing, a line feed command for instructing line feed,a line stack command for instructing line stack, a cutter command forinstructing to cut the medium P, and the like. The command related toprinting includes a command for instructing drive to any of a thermalhead 21, a transport section 23, and a cutting section 24 illustrated inFIG. 2 .

The smart device 3 a generates print data such as letters and images tobe printed by the printing apparatus 2. The smart device 3 a transmits aprint command including the generated print data to the printingapparatus 2 according to a predetermined communication standard. Theprinting apparatus 2 executes a print command and prints letters,images, and the like on the medium P based on the print data.

The customer display 3 b can be used, for example, by placing thecustomer display 3 b on a counter table in a store. The customer whopurchased the product at the store can confirm the price displayed onthe customer display 3 b and recognize the payment amount. Further, thecustomer display 3 b may display the product name purchased by thecustomer, the payment method, the date and time of purchase, the name ofthe store where the customer purchased, and the like.

For example, when accounting and payment of purchased items by thecustomer himself or herself, such as a so-called self-checkout, thesalesclerk who is the user may omit the customer display 3 b from theprinting system 1. In this case, it is preferable that the contentdisplayed on the customer display 3 b be displayed on the smart device 3a.

For example, it is preferable that the product name purchased by thecustomer, the payment method, the date and time of purchase, the name ofthe store where the customer purchased, and the like be displayed on thesmart device 3 a. In this manner, the salesclerk who is the user canreduce the power consumption of the printing system 1 by omitting thecustomer display 3 b and reducing the number of external devicesdepending on the situation, and can simplify the configuration of theprinting system 1.

The handy scanner 3 c operates by receiving electric power supplied fromthe printing apparatus 2. The printing apparatus 2 inputs informationrelated to the image scanned by the handy scanner 3 c.

For example, the user scans a barcode attached to the product using thehandy scanner 3 c. Information related to the scanned image is output tothe smart device 3 a via the printing apparatus 2. The smart device 3 acan acquire information related to a product, information related to theprice, and the like.

Further, for example, a salesclerk who is a user scans a barcodepresented by a customer by a smartphone or the like using the handyscanner 3 c. Information related to the scanned image is output to thesmart device 3 a via the printing apparatus 2.

The smart device 3 a can acquire information related to a paymentmethod, information related to the payment amount, and the like. Basedon these pieces of information, the smart device 3 a may complete thepayment of the fee via the online payment service and display theinformation related to the payment completion on the customer display 3b via the printing apparatus 2. Accordingly, the customer to confirmthat the payment is completed.

1-2. Function of Printing System

The functional configuration of the printing system 1 will be describedwith reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printingsystem 1.

The printing system 1 includes an external device 10 a, an externaldevice 10 b, an external device 10 c, an external device 10 d, anexternal device 10 e, and the printing apparatus 2. The smart device 3a, the customer display 3 b, and the handy scanner 3 c described aboveare examples of the external device 10 a, the external device 10 b, theexternal device 10 c, the external device 10 d, and the external device10 e.

The printing apparatus 2 includes a display section 11, a power supplycircuit 12, a medium discharge port 13, a printing section 20, and acontrol section 30.

The display section 11 includes, for example, a plurality of LEDs. Thedisplay section 11 is electrically coupled to the control section 30 andis controlled by the control section 30. The display section 11displays, for example, information related to the state of the printingapparatus 2 by blinking the LED. The display section 11 may be a liquidcrystal display device.

The power supply circuit 12 can supply electric power to the displaysection 11, the printing section 20, and the control section 30. Thepower supply circuit 12 is coupled to, for example, a commercial ACpower source, and can convert the electric power supplied from thecommercial AC power source into appropriate electric power and supplythe converted electric power to each section.

The power supply circuit 12 includes, for example, a DC-DC converter, aresistance element, a switching element, a transistor, and the like. Thepower supply circuit 12 can supply electric power to the external device10 a, the external device 10 b, the external device 10 c, the externaldevice 10 d, and the external device 10 e electrically coupled to theprinting apparatus 2 via the USB interface 60. For example, the powersupply circuit 12 can supply electric power to the smart device 3 a, thecustomer display 3 b, and the handy scanner 3 c.

The printing section 20 includes the thermal head 21 and a printing headdriving section 22. Further, the printing section 20 is electricallycoupled to the transport section 23 and the cutting section 24. Thetransport section 23 has a transport roller (not illustrated), and thecutting section 24 has a cutter including a first blade and a secondblade. The first blade is a movable blade that moves between the standbyposition and the cutting position, and the second blade is a fixed bladethat engages with the first blade that moves to the cutting position tocut the recording paper. The printing section 20 is electrically coupledto the power supply circuit 12 and operates by receiving electric powersupplied from the power supply circuit 12. Further, the printing section20 is controlled by the control section 30. Further, the printingsection 20 performs printing on the medium P based on the print dataoutput from the smart device 3 a, which is an example of the externaldevice, for example. As described above, an example of an electronicdevice including the printing section 20 that performs printing on themedium P is the printing apparatus 2.

The thermal head 21 has a large number of heat generating elements 25. Alarge number of heat generating elements 25 are arranged in a directionorthogonal to the transport direction of thermosensitive roll paper 26which is the medium P. The heat generating element 25 is energized toapply heat to the printed surface of the thermosensitive roll paper 26.Accordingly, the thermal head 21 can print letters, images, and the likeon the thermosensitive roll paper 26. The part drawn out from thethermosensitive roll paper 26 may be described as recording paper.Further, the printing section 20 is not limited to printing by thethermal head 21, and may perform printing by an ink jet method, animpact dot matrix method, or a laser method. The medium P is not limitedto the thermosensitive roll paper 26, but may be a sheet paper, a labelpaper, or the like.

The printing head driving section 22 is controlled by the controlsection 30 to control the energization of the thermal head 21 to theheat generating element 25. The transport section 23 is controlled bythe control section 30 to rotate the transport roller to transport thethermosensitive roll paper 26. The cutting section 24 is controlled bythe control section 30 and drives the first blade to slide toward thesecond blade to cut the thermosensitive roll paper 26.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control section 30 of the printingapparatus 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the control section 30 includesa central processing unit (CPU) 31, a random access memory (RAM) 32, aread only memory (ROM) 33, a USB controller 34, a non-volatile memory35, a wireless communication section 36, a USB communication section 50,a BUS-IF 37, a device IF 38, and an image processing section 39. The CPU31 is an example of a control circuit. Although the CPU is exemplifiedas an example of the control circuit, the control circuit may beconfigured to include hardware such as field programmable gate array(FPGA) in place of the CPU or in addition to the CPU.

The CPU 31 performs the main control of the printing apparatus 2. TheCPU 31 is electrically coupled to the RAM 32, the ROM 33, the USBcontroller 34, the non-volatile memory 35, the wireless communicationsection 36, the USB communication section 50, and the BUS-IF 37 via asystem bus 41.

The RAM 32 is a memory that can be read and written at any time toprovide a work area of the CPU 31. The RAM 32 can also be used as animage memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 33 is a bootROM and stores a boot program of the system. The non-volatile memory 35stores system software, set value data, and the like that need to beretained even after the power supply of the printing apparatus 2 is cutoff.

The USB controller 34 controls the USB interface 60 via the system bus41. In other words, the USB controller 34 controls the external device10 a, the external device 10 b, the external device 10 c, the externaldevice 10 d, and the external device 10 e coupled to the USB interface60. For example, the USB controller 34 may be configured to includehardware such as a system on a chip (SoC).

The wireless communication section 36 can be coupled to an externaldevice by using wireless communication. The wireless communicationsection 36 can communicate with an external device according to astandard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registeredtrademark). The BUS-IF 37 is an interface that electrically couples thesystem bus 41 and an image bus 42. The BUS-IF 37 can operate as a busbridge that transforms the data structure.

In addition to the BUS-IF 37, the device IF 38 and the image processingsection 39 are electrically coupled to the image bus 42. The device IF38 is an interface that couples the control section 30, the printingsection 20, and the display section 11. The device IF 38 can performdata synchronous and asynchronous conversion. The image processingsection 39 can execute predetermined processing on the data related toprinting output to the printing section 20.

1-3. USB Interface

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the USB communication section 50 and theUSB interface 60. FIGS. 5 to 9 are views illustrating each interfaceincluded in the USB interface 60. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the USBcommunication section 50 includes the USB interface 60, a USB hub 53,and a PD controller 54.

The USB hub 53 is electrically coupled to the USB interface 60. Further,the USB hub 53 receives an instruction from the USB controller 34 viathe system bus 41 and operates between the USB controller 34 and the USBinterface 60. For example, the USB hub 53 may be configured to includehardware such as an integrated circuit. Further, the USB hub 53 servesas a line concentrator or a relay device in the USB network.

The PD controller 54 performs a control to supply electric powercorresponding to the USB power delivery (PD) standard described later tothe external device 10 a coupled to a USB-Type-C interface 60 a.

Further, the USB interface 60 includes USB-Type-C interfaces 60 a and 60b, USB-Type-A interfaces 60 c and 60 d, and a USB-Type-B interface 60 e.

In FIG. 4 , an example in which the USB-Type-C interface 60 a is coupledto the external device 10 a, the USB-Type-C interface 60 b is coupled tothe external device 10 b, the USB-Type-A interface 60 c is coupled tothe external device 10 c, the USB-Type-A interface 60 d is coupled tothe external device 10 d, and the USB-Type-B interface 60 e is coupledto the external device 10 e is illustrated, but the present disclosureis not limited thereto. The USB interface 60 may include a USB interfaceof another standard such as mini-USB-Type-A or micro-USB-Type-A.

The power supply circuit 12 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a first powersupply circuit 12 a and a second power supply circuit 12 b. The firstpower supply circuit 12 a supplies electric power to the USB-Type-Cinterface 60 b, the USB-Type-A interfaces 60 c and 60 d, and theUSB-Type-B interface 60 e. The first power supply circuit 12 a may beconfigured to supply electric power to the USB hub 53. Further, thefirst power supply circuit 12 a may be configured not to supply electricpower to the USB-Type-B interface 60 e.

On the other hand, the second power supply circuit 12 b supplieselectric power to the USB-Type-C interface 60 a. The second power supplycircuit 12 b may be configured to supply electric power to the PDcontroller 54.

The USB-Type-C interface 60 a will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the USB controller 34 and the USB-Type-Cinterface 60 a.

The USB controller 34 includes a device controller 341, a hostcontroller 342, and a dual role port (DRP) controller 343. TheUSB-Type-C interface 60 a is controlled by the DRP controller 343 andthe PD controller 54 of the USB controller 34 via the system bus 41.

The USB-Type-C interface 60 a includes a VBUS terminal 61 a, a D+/D−terminal 62 a, and a configuration channel (CC) terminal 63 a.

The DRP controller 343 controls data transmission/reception from theexternal device 10 a coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60 a. The DRPcontroller 343 performs the data transmission control for transmittingdata such as commands related to printing to the CPU 31 via the systembus 41.

The DRP controller 343 mediates mutual communication performed betweenthe USB controller 34 and the USB interface 60, for example, insynchronous serial communication or the like. The synchronous serialcommunication may be, for example, inter-integrated circuit (I2C)communication.

The PD controller 54 can retain electric power profile settinginformation indicating the amount of electric power that can be suppliedby the printing apparatus 2. The PD controller 54 can execute step-upprocessing or step-down processing on the electric power supplied fromthe second power supply circuit 12 b based on the setting information ofthe electric power profile by using a regulator (not illustrated).Accordingly, the printing apparatus 2 can supply a desired voltage tothe external device 10 a via the VBUS terminal 61 a.

The VBUS terminal 61 a is a so-called power input/output terminal. TheVBUS terminal 61 a is a terminal for transmitting and receiving electricpower to and from the external device 10 a. Therefore, electric powercan be received between the printing apparatus 2 and the external device10 a.

The D+/D− terminal 62 a is a so-called data transmission/receptionterminal. The D+/D− terminal 62 is a terminal for transmitting/receivinga data signal to and from the external device 10 a. Therefore, datasignals can be transmitted and received between the printing apparatus 2and the external device 10 a.

The CC terminal 63 a is a so-called state identification terminal. TheCC terminal 63 a is a terminal that identifies whether the D+/D−terminal 62 a is in a state where the data signal can be received fromthe external device 10 a or is in a state where the data signal can betransmitted to the external device 10 a. For example, the CC terminal 63a is a terminal that identifies whether the VBUS terminal 61 a is in astate where electric power can be supplied from the external device 10 aor is in a state where electric power can be supplied to the externaldevice 10 a. Therefore, the USB controller 34 can identify the state ofthe external device 10 a.

Power delivery in the USB-Type-C interface 60 a is a standard defined byUSB Power Delivery. Hereinafter, USB Power Delivery will be abbreviatedas USB PD. The second power supply circuit 12 b can supply the electricpower corresponding to the USB PD standard to the USB-Type-C interface60 a. For example, the second power supply circuit 12 b generates avoltage different from 5 V, 9 V, and 12 V, and supplies a plurality ofdifferent voltages to the external device 10 a. The second power supplycircuit 12 b may be configured to supply a constant current regardlessof the voltage supplied to the external device 10 a, or may beconfigured to supply a different current depending on the suppliedvoltage.

The USB-Type-C interface 60 a transmits information related to electricpower, direction, and function to be supplied or received between theprinting apparatus 2 and the external device 10 a before starting theUSB PD. With USB PD, electric power can be supplied or received based onthe contact between coupled devices.

The port that supplies electric power is a source, and the port thatreceives electric power is a sink. The device that functions as a sourceis a provider, and the device that functions as a sink is a consumer.The USB-Type-C interface 60 a can change the amount of electric powersupplied according to the situation, and can change the supply orreception of electric power. For example, when the printing apparatus 2is a source, the external device 10 a coupled to the USB-Type-Cinterface 60 a is a sink. In addition, when the printing apparatus 2 isa sink, the external device 10 a coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60a is a source.

Next, an example of the power delivery processing in the USB-Type-Cinterface 60 a will be described. The source checks the ID of theUSB-Type-C cable coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60 a to confirmwhether a current exceeding 3A can flow.

The source informs the sink of the available electric power profiles.The sink requests the desired profile by number from the availableelectric power profiles notified by the source. The source informs thatthe requested electric power profile is available. After this, thesource turns on the VBUS terminal 61 a and starts supplying electricpower to the sink.

Next, the USB-Type-C interface 60 b will be described with reference toFIG. 6 . FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the USB controller 34 and theUSB-Type-C interface 60 b.

The USB-Type-C interface 60 b includes a VBUS terminal 61 b, a D+/D−terminal 62 b, and a CC terminal 63 b.

The configuration of the USB-Type-C interface 60 b is the same as theconfiguration of the USB-Type-C interface 60 a described above. However,unlike the USB-Type-C interface 60 a, the USB-Type-C interface 60 b issupplied with electric power not from the second power supply circuit 12b but from the first power supply circuit 12 a.

Since the USB-Type-C interface 60 b has the CC terminal 63 b like theUSB-Type-C interface 60 a, it is possible to identify the state of theexternal device 10 b coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60 b.Therefore, the USB-Type-C interface 60 b can identify the state of theexternal device 10 b, and can transfer electric power andtransmit/receive data.

However, unlike the USB-Type-C interface 60 a, the USB-Type-C interface60 b is supplied with electric power from the first power supply circuit12 a and is not controlled by the PD controller 54. Therefore, theelectric power corresponding to the USB PD standard cannot be suppliedto the external device 10 b coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60 b.Further, the voltage that the first power supply circuit 12 a can supplyto the external device 10 b via the USB-Type-C interface 60 b is onetype. For example, the first power supply circuit 12 a generates avoltage of 5 V and supplies the generated voltage to the external device10 b. The first power supply circuit 12 a may be configured to supply aconstant current to the external device 10 b, or may be configured tosupply a different current depending on the external device 10 b coupledto the USB-Type-C interface 60 b. The electric power that can besupplied from the first power supply circuit 12 a is smaller than thatof the second power supply circuit 12 b.

Since the USB-Type-C interface 60 b supplies less electric power thanthe USB-Type-C interface 60 a, for example, when an external device thatcorresponds to a certain USB PD is coupled to the USB-Type-C interface60 b, the external device operates in accordance with the electric powersupplied from the USB-Type-C interface 60 b. Therefore, it is preferablethat the external device 10 b coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60 bbe a device that does not correspond to the USB PD.

The first power supply circuit 12 a has advantages that the powerconsumption is small and the heat generation amount is small as comparedwith the second power supply circuit 12 b that supplies electric powerto the USB-Type-C interface 60 a corresponding to the USB PD standard.Considering the power consumption and functions of an external devicethat may be coupled to the printing apparatus 2, it is preferable thatat least one of the first power supply circuit 12 a and the second powersupply circuit 12 b correspond to USB PD.

In other words, it is preferable that at least one of USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b correspond to the USB PD. Whenthere are a plurality of receptacle connectors that correspond toUSB-Type-C, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality ofreceptacle connectors correspond to the USB PD.

Further, it is preferable that at least one of the first power supplycircuit 12 a and the second power supply circuit 12 b not correspond tothe USB PD. It is preferable that at least one of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b not correspond to the USB PD. Forexample, the first power supply circuit 12 a that does not correspond tothe USB PD may supply electric power to, for example, the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b and USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 cand 320 d.

In such a configuration, since the first power supply circuit 12 a thatdoes not correspond to the USB PD supplies electric power to a pluralityof types of receptacle connectors, the power supply circuit thatsupplies electric power to the receptacle connectors that do notcorrespond to USB PD can be commonly used. Accordingly, it is notnecessary to increase the number of power supply circuits mounted on thesubstrate 300 illustrated in FIG. 17 , and thus the configuration of thesubstrate 300 can be simplified. Further, by simplifying theconfiguration of the substrate 300, there is an effect that the heatgeneration amount in the substrate 300 is reduced.

For example, when accounting is performed according to a product orservice purchased by a customer, the salesclerk may operate the externaldevice 10 a and the customer may operate the external device 10 b. Ingeneral, the customer needs fewer operations than the salesclerk, suchas selecting a payment method, and thus it is preferable that thecustomer operate an external device having a simpler function than thesalesclerk. In other words, it is preferable that the customer operatethe external device 10 b and the salesclerk operate the external device10 a that consumes more power than the external device 10 b.

Next, the USB-Type-A interface 60 c will be described with reference toFIG. 7 . FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the USB controller 34 and theUSB-Type-A interface 60 c.

The USB-Type-A interface 60 c includes the VBUS terminal 61 c and aD+/D− terminal 62 c. Unlike the above-described USB-Type-C interfaces 60a and 60 b, the CC terminals 63 a and 63 b are omitted. Therefore, theUSB-Type-A interface 60 c does not have a function of identifying thestate of the coupled external device 10 c.

The USB-Type-A interface 60 c is supplied with electric power from thefirst power supply circuit 12 a, and supplies electric power to theexternal device 10 c via the VBUS terminal 61 c. For example, thevoltage supplied to the USB-Type-A interface 60 c by the first powersupply circuit 12 a is 5 V. Further, the USB-Type-A interface 60 ctransmits a signal to the external device 10 c via the D+/D− terminal 62c.

The USB hub 53 electrically coupled to the USB-Type-A interface 60 c iscontrolled by the host controller 342 of the USB controller 34 via thesystem bus 41. In other words, the USB-Type-A interface 60 c iscontrolled by the host controller 342.

Since the USB-Type-A interface 60 d illustrated in FIG. 8 has the sameconfiguration as the USB-Type-A interface 60 c illustrated in FIG. 7 ,the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the USB-Type-B interface 60 e will be described with reference toFIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the USB controller 34 and theUSB-Type-B interface 60 e.

The USB-Type-B interface 60 e includes a VBUS terminal 61 e and a D+/D−terminal 62 e. Unlike the above-described USB-Type-C interfaces 60 a and60 b, the CC terminals 63 a and 63 b are omitted. Therefore, theUSB-Type-B interface 60 e does not have a function of identifying thestate of the coupled external device 10 e.

The USB-Type-B interface 60 e is supplied with electric power from thefirst power supply circuit 12 a, and supplies electric power to theexternal device 10 e via the VBUS terminal 61 e. For example, thevoltage supplied to the USB-Type-B interface 60 e by the first powersupply circuit 12 a is 5 V. Further, the USB-Type-B interface 60 etransmits a signal to the external device 10 e via the D+/D− terminal 62e.

The USB-Type-B interface 60 e is controlled by the device controller 341of the USB controller 34 via the system bus 41.

In other words, unlike the USB-Type-A interfaces 60 c and 60 d, theUSB-Type-B interface 60 e is controlled from the USB controller 34without going through the USB hub 53. The USB-Type-B interface 60 e maybe configured to be controlled from the USB controller 34 via the USBhub 53.

1-4. Printing Apparatus

A schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 2 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 .

In FIGS. 10 to 12 , the +X direction is the front direction of theprinting apparatus 2, the −X direction is the rear direction of theprinting apparatus 2, the +Y direction is the right direction of theprinting apparatus 2, the −Y direction is the left direction of theprinting apparatus 2, the +Z direction is the upward direction of theprinting apparatus 2, and the −Z direction is the downward direction ofthe printing apparatus 2.

The printing apparatus 2 is, for example, a thermal printer. Asillustrated in FIG. 10 , the printing apparatus 2 has a main body case200 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, excludinguneven portions such as buttons. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , a bottomcover 241 and a back cover 246 of the printing apparatus 2 areattachable and detachable, and the main body frame 208 is covered withthe bottom cover 241 and the back cover 246.

Inside the main body case 200, a printing section 20 illustrated in FIG.2 , a medium storage section 210 for storing the medium P, and aconnector section 220 are provided. When the opening/closing door 203 isclosed, the printed medium P is discharged from the medium dischargeport 13 via a transport path formed between the opening/closing door 203and the main body case 200.

The opening/closing door 203 constitutes the first case surface 200 a ofthe main body case 200, and is coupled to be openable/closable behindthe main body case 200. In FIG. 10 , the first case surface 200 a is thefront surface of the main body case 200. The opening/closing door 203 isprovided with, for example, a transport roller at the front end portion,and the transport roller is arranged to face the thermal head 21provided in the main body case 200 when the opening/closing door 203 isclosed. When the opening/closing door 203 is closed, the transportroller and the thermal head 21 are in a state of sandwiching the mediumP, the medium P is transported by the rotation of the transport roller,and printing is performed on the printed surface of the medium P by thethermal head 21. The display section 11, the medium discharge port 13, apower switch 201, an opening/closing lever 202, and a feed switch 204are provided on the first case surface 200 a of the main body case 200.In other words, the display section 11, the medium discharge port 13,the power switch 201, the opening/closing lever 202, and the feed switch204 are arranged on the first case surface 200 a of the main body case200.

Further, the connector section 220 is provided on a routing section 215formed between a third case surface 200 c and a first main body framesurface 205, facing a third case surface 200 c of the main body case200. In FIG. 10 , the third case surface 200 c is the bottom surface ofthe main body case 200. As will be described later, the connectorsection 220 includes a substrate 300 provided with various receptacleconnectors. The substrate 300 is parallel to the third case surface 200c of the main body case 200. For example, the substrate 300 is coupledto the main substrate accommodated inside the main body case 200 and isarranged to be parallel to the third case surface 200 c of the main bodycase 200.

The power switch 201 is a switch for turning on or off the power of theprinting apparatus 2. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the printing apparatus2 is coupled to a commercial AC power source via the power cable 5 andis supplied with electric power. The printing apparatus 2 performsprinting on the medium P and communicates with an external device suchas the smart device 3 a while the power is on.

The opening/closing lever 202 is for opening and closing theopening/closing door 203. The user operates the opening/closing lever202 to open the opening/closing door 203, and stores the thermosensitiveroll paper 26, which is the medium P, in the medium storage section 210provided in the main body case 200. The opening/closing door 203 sealsthe medium storage section 210 from above.

The feed switch 204 is a switch for feeding the thermosensitive rollpaper 26 which is the medium P stored in the medium storage section 210.Specifically, the user can feed the thermosensitive roll paper 26 to adesired position by operating the feed switch 204. For example, the rollpaper may be transported when the user is pressing the feed switch 204,and the transport of the roll paper may be stopped while the user is notpressing the feed switch 204.

The display section 11 may display, for example, information related tothe communication state, information for prompting the replenishment ofthe medium P, and the like. Since the display section 11 has a role ofnotifying the user of the state of the printing apparatus 2, it ispreferable that the display section 11 be provided at a position wherethe user easily visually recognizes the display section 11. For example,when the printing apparatus 2 is arranged such that a second casesurface 200 b of the main body case 200 faces the front surface, theuser can easily visually recognize the display section 11 and the mediumdischarge port 13.

The medium discharge port 13 discharges, for example, the medium P onwhich letters, images, and the like are printed based on print data. Asdescribed above, for example, when the user is in the front direction ofthe printing apparatus 2 and the printing apparatus 2 is arranged suchthat the second case surface 200 b of the main body case 200 faces thefront surface, the printed surface of the medium P faces the user, andthus the user can confirm the content printed on the medium P whileobserving how the medium P is discharged from the medium discharge port13. Therefore, the user can confirm the printed contents without waitingfor the completion of the discharge of the medium P from the mediumdischarge port 13.

Therefore, it is preferable that the medium discharge port 13 beprovided at a position where the user can easily visually recognize themedium discharge port 13, like the display section 11. Furthermore, itis more preferable that the medium discharge port 13 be provided nearthe display section 11 such that the user can visually recognize themedium discharge port 13 at the same time as the display section 11.Specifically, it is preferable that the medium discharge port 13 and thedisplay section 11 be provided side by side on the first case surface200 a of the main body case 200, and the longitudinal direction of themedium discharge port 13 and the display section 11 be the Y directionwhich is the width direction of the main body case 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the bottom cover 241 constituting the thirdcase surface 200 c of the main body case 200 is attachable anddetachable and covers the routing section 215. The bottom cover 241 hasa substantially rectangular shape. The bottom cover 241 has a pluralityof elastic members 251 that serve as legs of the printing apparatus 2.Further, the bottom cover 241 has a plurality of holes 252. The hole 252discharges water droplets that have entered the inside of the main bodycase 200 to the outside of the main body case 200. Further, the printingapparatus 2 can be used by hanging the printing apparatus 2 on a wall inaddition to using by placing the printing apparatus 2 on a table, afloor, or the like. At this time, the hole 252 engages with awall-hanging member (not illustrated), and the printing apparatus 2 ishung on the wall. As a result, the printing apparatus 2 can be used in aso-called wall-hanging state, and the table or floor can be widely used.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the back cover 246 constituting a fourthcase surface 200 d of the main body case 200 is attachable anddetachable and covers a second main body frame surface 206. In FIG. 10 ,the fourth case surface 200 d is the back surface of the main body case200. The back cover 246 has a substantially rectangular shape. The backcover 246 covers the main body frame 208 from the back. The back cover246 has a cable draw-out port 255 for drawing out various cablescoupling the printing apparatus 2 and various external devices.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , a fifth case surface 200 e and a sixth casesurface 200 f of the main body case 200 are provided with a firstattaching section 271 for mounting the bottom cover 241. In FIG. 10 ,the fifth case surface 200 e is the left side surface of the main bodycase 200, and the sixth case surface 200 f is the right side surface ofthe main body case 200. Similarly, the fifth case surface 200 e and thesixth case surface 200 f of the main body case 200 are provided with asecond attaching section 276 for mounting the back cover 246.

The first attaching section 271 is formed at the lower end portions ofthe fifth case surface 200 e and the sixth case surface 200 f of themain body case 200. The first attaching section 271 is provided with acase-side engaging section 272. The bottom cover 241 is mounted to themain body case 200 by engaging the case-side engaging section 272 and acover-side engaging section 242 provided on the bottom cover 241.

The second attaching section 276 is formed at the rear end portions ofthe fifth case surface 200 e and the sixth case surface 200 f of themain body case 200. The second attaching section 276 is provided with acase-side engaging section 277. The back cover 246 is mounted to themain body case 200 by engaging the case-side engaging section 277 and acover-side engaging section 247 provided on the back cover 246.

Further, circular notch sections 261 and 262 are provided at the cornerswhere the first attaching section 271 and the second attaching section276 provided on the fifth case surface 200 e and the sixth case surface200 f of the main body case 200 intersect with each other. Further, thenotch sections 261 and 262 communicate with the routing section 215.

The routing section 215 is a space between the third case surface 200 cof the main body case 200 and the first main body frame surface 205, andfurther, is a space defined by the fourth case surface 200 d, the fifthcase surface 200 e, the sixth case surface 200 f, and the connectorsection 220 of the main body case 200.

The routing section 215 is defined with reference to the X direction,the Y direction, and the Z direction illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12 . TheX direction is defined as a direction from the back cover 246 to thefirst connector surface 221 and the second connector surface 222 of theconnector section 220, the Y direction is defined as a direction fromthe fifth case surface 200 e to the sixth case surface 200 f of the mainbody case 200, and the Z direction is defined as a direction from thebottom cover 241 to the first main body frame surface 205. The firstconnector surface 221 or the second connector surface 222 is a flatplate surface, and is, for example, sheet metal. The flat plate surfaceis not limited to a flat plate made of metal such as sheet metal, andmay be a flat plate made of resin or the like.

Various cables coupled to the connector section 220 are routed in therouting section 215. Then, various cables coupled to the connectorsection 220 are drawn out to the outside of the main body case 200 viathe notch sections 261 and 262 or the cable draw-out port 255 providedin the back cover 246.

The printing apparatus 2 can be installed in the first posture in whichthe medium discharge port 13 of the medium P faces upward, or in thesecond posture in which the medium discharge port 13 of the medium Pfaces forward. In other words, in the first posture, the printed mediumP is discharged from the medium discharge port 13 in the +Z direction,and in the second posture, the printed medium P is discharged from themedium discharge port 13 in the +X direction. Further, in the firstposture, the first case surface 200 a is the upper surface of the mainbody case 200, and in the second posture, the first case surface 200 ais the front surface of the main body case 200.

Specifically, in the first posture, the connector section 220 is coveredwith the bottom cover 241 while in the second posture, the connectorsection 220 is covered with the back cover 246.

In both the first posture and the second posture, a plurality of elasticmembers 251 serving as legs of the printing apparatus 2 are arranged onthe bottom surface of the printing apparatus 2, and thus the printingapparatus 2 can be stably installed. Further, since the plurality ofelastic members 251 are not arranged on the back surface of the printingapparatus 2, the appearance of the printing apparatus 2 does notdeteriorate. In a simpler configuration, only one of the bottom cover241 and the back cover 246 that covers the connector section 220 may beattachable and detachable, and the other cover may be integrated withthe main body case 200. In this case, in the first posture, the covercovering the connector section 220 is the bottom surface, and in thesecond posture, the cover covering the connector section 220 is the backsurface.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the connector section 220 has the firstconnector surface 221 and the second connector surface 222. Theconnector section 220 having the first connector surface 221 and thesecond connector surface 222 is formed of a flat plate, and the outersurface and the inner surface of the first connector surface 221 and thesecond connector surface 222 are formed to be flat. Here, unlessotherwise specified, the flat plate is a sheet metal made of metal.

The first connector surface 221 is formed with openings 220 a, 220 b,220 c, and 220 d, and the second connector surface 222 is formed withopenings 220 e, 220 f, and 220 g.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , openings corresponding to the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a and 320 b, the USB-Type-A receptacleconnector 320 c and 320 d, a USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e, apower supply connector 320 f, and a drawer kick (DK) receptacleconnector 320 g, which are mounted on the mounting surface 301 of thesubstrate 300, are formed on the first connector surface 221 and thesecond connector surface 222. The opening 220 g may correspond to alocal area network (LAN) receptacle connector.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is electrically coupled to theexternal device 10 a and can cause the external device 10 a tocommunicate with the control section 30. Further, the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a is provided on the substrate 300, and theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is mounted on the substrate 300such that the outer circumference of the insertion port coincides withthe inner circumference of the opening 220 a. Accordingly, the concernthat foreign matter such as dust and insects will enter the inside ofthe connector section 220 is reduced. The insertion port of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is arranged along the firstconnector surface 221.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b is electrically coupled to theexternal device 10 b and can cause the external device 10 b tocommunicate with the control section 30. Further, the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b is provided on the substrate 300, and theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b is mounted on the substrate 300such that the outer circumference of the insertion port coincides withthe inner circumference of the opening 220 b. Accordingly, the concernthat foreign matter such as dust and insects will enter the inside ofthe connector section 220 is reduced. The insertion port of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b is arranged along the firstconnector surface 221. Further, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320b and the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a are arranged next toeach other.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are provided withCC terminals, and unlike other USB standards, the master and the slaveare not clearly fixed between the printing apparatus 2 and the externaldevice 10 a and 10 b coupled to the printing apparatus 2. In otherwords, the printing apparatus 2 may receive a command from the externaldevices 10 a and 10 b to be operated, or may give a command to theexternal devices 10 a and 10 b to operate the external devices 10 a and10 b. For example, the printing apparatus 2 may supply electric power tothe external devices 10 a and 10 b. As described above, in theUSB-Type-C standard, there is a possibility that the printing apparatus2 may operate on either the master or the slave, and there is apossibility that the printing apparatus 2 operate as a master and aslave at the same time by providing a plurality of USB-Type-C receptacleconnectors 320 a and 320 b, and thus the convenience of the user whouses the printing apparatus 2 is improved.

The USB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 c is electrically coupled to theexternal device 10 c and can cause the external device 10 c tocommunicate with the control section 30. Further, the USB-Type-Areceptacle connector 320 c is provided on the substrate 300, and theUSB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 c is mounted on the substrate 300such that the outer circumference of the insertion port coincides withthe inner circumference of the opening 220 c. Accordingly, the concernthat foreign matter such as dust and insects will enter the inside ofthe connector section 220 is reduced. The insertion port of theUSB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 c is arranged along the firstconnector surface 221.

The USB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 d is electrically coupled to theexternal device 10 d and can cause the external device 10 d tocommunicate with the control section 30. Further, the USB-Type-Areceptacle connector 320 d is provided on the substrate 300, and theUSB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 d is mounted on the substrate 300such that the outer circumference of the insertion port coincides withthe inner circumference of the opening 220 d. Accordingly, the concernthat foreign matter such as dust and insects will enter the inside ofthe connector section 220 is reduced. The insertion port of theUSB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 d is arranged along the firstconnector surface 221.

The USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is electrically coupled to theexternal device 10 e and can cause the external device 10 e tocommunicate with the control section 30. Further, the USB-Type-Breceptacle connector 320 e is provided on the substrate 300, and theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is mounted on the substrate 300such that the outer circumference of the insertion port coincides withthe inner circumference of the opening 220 e. Accordingly, the concernthat foreign matter such as dust and insects will enter the inside ofthe connector section 220 is reduced. The insertion port of theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is arranged along the secondconnector surface 222 which is different from the first connectorsurface 221.

The power supply connector 320 f is coupled to a commercial AC powersource (not illustrated) to supply electric power to the control section30. Further, the power supply connector 320 f is provided on thesubstrate 300, and the power supply connector 320 f is mounted on thesubstrate 300 such that the outer circumference of the insertion portcoincides with the inner circumference of the opening 220 f.Accordingly, the concern that foreign matter such as dust and insectswill enter the inside of the connector section 220 can be reduced. Theinsertion port of the power supply connector 320 f is arranged along thesecond connector surface 222 which is different from the first connectorsurface 221.

The DK receptacle connector 320 g is, for example, electrically coupledto a cash drawer 270 and causes the cash drawer 270 to communicate withthe control section 30. Further, the DK receptacle connector 320 g isprovided on the substrate 300, and the DK receptacle connector 320 g ismounted on the substrate 300 such that the outer circumference of theinsertion port coincides with the inner circumference of the opening 220g. Accordingly, the concern that foreign matter such as dust and insectswill enter the inside of the connector section 220 can be reduced. Theinsertion port of the DK receptacle connector 320 g is arranged alongthe second connector surface 222 which is different from the firstconnector surface 221.

The inner circumferences of the openings 220 a and 220 b, the openings220 c and 220 d, the openings 220 e, the openings 220 f, and the opening220 g are respectively designed to coincide with outer circumferences ofthe USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b, the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d, the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e, the power supply connector 320 f, and the DK receptacleconnector 320 g. Therefore, the outer circumference of the insertionport and the inner circumference of the opening coincide with eachother, respectively. However, when an error occurs due to manufacturing,the inner circumferences of each opening and the outer circumferences ofthe connectors corresponding to the openings will substantially coincidewith each other, but since it is not an error due to the design, theabove-mentioned substantial coincidence will be included in thecoincidence.

The opening 220 a formed on the first connector surface 221 correspondsto the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a, the opening 220 b formedon the first connector surface 221 corresponds to the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b, the opening 220 c formed on the firstconnector surface 221 corresponds to the USB-Type-A receptacle connector320 c, and the opening 220 d formed on the first connector surface 221corresponds to the USB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 d.

The opening 220 e formed on the second connector surface 222 correspondsto the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e, the opening 220 f formedon the second connector surface 222 corresponds to the power supplyconnector 320 f, and the opening 220 g formed on the second connectorsurface 222 corresponds to the DK receptacle connector 320 g.

Further, the connector section 220 is provided on the first main bodyframe surface 205 inside the third case surface 200 c constituting thebottom surface of the main body case 200. On the other hand, the mediumdischarge port 13 is provided on the first case surface 200 aconstituting the upper surface of the main body case 200. As describedabove, since the connector section 220 is provided inside the bottomcover 241 constituting the bottom surface of the main body case 200,which is the surface opposite to the upper surface of the main body case200 in which the medium discharge port 13 is provided, the user cannotbe visually recognized the medium P discharged upward from the mediumstorage section of the main body case 200 and the connector section 220at the same time. In other words, the user cannot visually recognize themedium discharge port 13 and the connector section 220 at the same time.

In other words, in a state where the user can visually recognize themedium discharge port 13, the user cannot visually recognize theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a and 320 b, the USB-Type-Areceptacle connector 320 c and 320 d, the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e, the power supply connector 320 f, and the DK receptacleconnector 320 g. In other words, the user cannot visually recognize themedium discharge port 13 and the first connector surface 221 and thesecond connector surface 222 at the same time.

When the normal printing apparatus 2 is used, the first main body framesurface 205 is often covered with the bottom cover 241, the connectorsection 220 is not exposed to the outside, and the user cannot visuallyrecognize the connector section 220. However, when the bottom cover 241is removed from the main body case 200, the connector section 220 isexposed to the outside, and the user can visually recognize theconnector section 220.

1-5. Countermeasures Against Incorrect Insertion

When the user uses, for example, a USB-Type-C cable 400 a illustrated inFIG. 18 and couples the external device 10 a to the printing apparatus2, the user removes the bottom cover 241, and while visually recognizingthe first connector surface 221 and the second connector surface 222, byinserting a plug 401 a of the USB-Type-C cable 400 a into the opening220 a of the first connector surface 221, the printing apparatus 2 iscoupled to the external device 10 a.

Specifically, the user puts the printing apparatus 2 in the secondposture in which the first case surface 200 a is the front surface ofthe main body case 200, then rotates the printing apparatus 2 to makethe third case surface 200 c face the user. Then, the user removes thecover of the printing apparatus 2, exposes the connector section 220,and couples the USB-Type-C cable 400 a to the printing apparatus 2. Insuch a case, since the connector section 220 faces the routing section215, the connector section 220 faces a direction orthogonal to the lineof sight of the user, and it is difficult for the user to visuallyrecognize the opening 220 a of the first connector surface 221. As aresult, the user inserts the cable into another opening, causingerroneous insertion.

Further, the user may couple the USB-Type-C cable 400 b illustrated inFIG. 18 to the connector section 220 with the second case surface 200 bof the printing apparatus 2 facing the user. In such a case, forexample, another external device 10 b may be newly coupled when theprinting apparatus 2 is being used after the installation and initialsetting of the printing apparatus 2 are completed.

In this case, the second case surface 200 b of the printing apparatus 2faces the user, and the user cannot visually recognize the firstconnector surface 221 and the second connector surface 222. Therefore,the user confirms the position of each connector while touching thefirst connector surface 221 and the second connector surface 222 byhand. In other words, the user couples each cable to the connectorsection 220 in a so-called fumbling state without visually observing theconnector section 220. As a result, the user inserts the cable intoanother opening, causing erroneous insertion.

Since the connector section 220 has the first connector surface 221 andthe second connector surface 222 different from the first connectorsurface 221, which are parallel to each other, even in a state where itis difficult for the user to visually recognize or in a fumbling state,the user can recognize the first connector surface 221 and the secondconnector surface 222 as different surfaces.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the first connector surface 221 and the secondconnector surface 222 of the connector section 220. With reference toFIG. 13 , the erroneous insertion that may occur when coupling eachcable to the connector section 220 in a state where it is difficult forthe user to visually recognize or in a fumbling state, andcountermeasures thereof will be described.

The plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b canbe inserted into the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b,whereby the printing apparatus 2 is coupled to cause the externaldevices 10 a and 10 b to communicate with each other.

Further, the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and400 b can be inserted into the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 cand 320 d, but the printing apparatus 2 cannot cause the externaldevices 10 a and 10 b to communicate with each other. In other words,the shapes of the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 aand 400 b are different from the shapes of the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d, but the printing apparatus 2 can bephysically coupled to the external devices 10 a and 10 b by using theUSB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b. However, the printing apparatus 2 andthe external devices 10 a and 10 b are not coupled to communicate witheach other.

Further, the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and400 b can be inserted into the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e,but the printing apparatus 2 cannot cause the external device 10 a orthe external device 10 b to communicate with each other. In other words,the printing apparatus 2 can be physically coupled to the externaldevice 10 a or the external device 10 b by using the USB-Type-C cables400 a and 400 b, but the external devices 10 a and 10 b are not coupledto communicate with the printing apparatus 2.

As described above, since the shapes of the insertion ports aredifferent, a state of being physically coupled and fixed is a statewhere the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 bare erroneously inserted into the connector section 220. Such erroneousinsertion may occur, for example, in the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d, the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e,and the DK receptacle connector 320 g.

When an erroneous insertion occurs, there is a concern about malfunctionof the physically coupled external device, and failure or damage of thephysically coupled external device. Similarly, there is a concern aboutmalfunction, failure, and damage of the printing apparatus 2 to whichthese external devices are physically coupled. Furthermore, since thereis a concern about damage to the receptacle connector into which theplugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b areerroneously inserted, the countermeasures described below will be taken.

Further, it is considered that there is a high possibility of occurrenceof such an erroneous insertion in a receptacle connector larger than theinsertion port of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b.Although depending on the shape of the insertion port of the receptacleconnector, the larger the insertion port, the higher the concern abouterroneous insertion.

The insertion port of the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e issmaller than the insertion port of the DK receptacle connector 320 g. Inaddition, the insertion ports of the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors320 c and 320 d are smaller than the insertion port of the DK receptacleconnector 320 g.

In other words, since the insertion port of the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e is smaller than the insertion port of the DK receptacleconnector 320 g, the concern about erroneous insertion into theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is relatively smaller than theconcern in the DK receptacle connector 320 g.

Further, since the insertion ports of the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d are smaller than the insertion port of the DKreceptacle connector 320 g or the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e,the concern about erroneous insertion into the USB-Type-A receptacleconnector 320 c and 320 d is relatively smaller than the concern in theDK receptacle connector 320 g or the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320e.

The USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is arranged between theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and the DK receptacleconnector 320 g.

The concern about erroneous insertion into the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e is smaller than the concern about erroneous insertioninto the DK receptacle connector 320 g. In this manner, by arranging theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e with less concern about erroneousinsertion between the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 band the DK receptacle connector 320 g, the concern about erroneousinsertion into the DK receptacle connector 320 g is reduced.

In addition, the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d arearranged between the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 band the DK receptacle connector 320 g.

The concern about erroneous insertion into the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d is smaller than the concern about erroneousinsertion into the DK receptacle connector 320 g. In this manner, byarranging the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d with lessconcern about erroneous insertion between the USB-Type-C receptacleconnectors 320 a and 320 b and the DK receptacle connector 320 g, theconcern about erroneous insertion into the DK receptacle connector 320 gis reduced.

In addition, the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d arearranged between the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 band the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e.

The concern about erroneous insertion into the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d is smaller than the concern about erroneousinsertion into the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e. In thismanner, by arranging the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320d with less concern about erroneous insertion between the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e, the concern about erroneous insertion into theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is reduced.

In other words, by arranging a receptacle connector with less concernabout erroneous insertion between the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors320 a and 320 b and the receptacle connector with a concern abouterroneous insertion of the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-Ccables 400 a and 400 b, it is possible to reduce the concern oferroneous insertion of the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-Ccables 400 a and 400 b by the user.

Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the power supply connector 320f which cannot be erroneously inserted, between the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and the receptacle connector witha concern about erroneous insertion of the plugs 401 a and 401 b of theUSB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b.

Further, the long side X of the insertion port of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and the long side Y of theinsertion port of the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 dhave different directions from each other. In other words, the extendingdirection of the long side X of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320a and 320 b is different from the extending direction of the long side Yof the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d. When theextending direction of the long side X of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnectors 320 a and 320 b is the same as the extending direction of thelong side Y of the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d,since the long side Y is longer than the long side X and the short sidey is longer than the short side x, the plugs 401 a and 401 b of theUSB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b can be inserted into the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d, and there is a high concern abouterroneous insertion. The long side X forming the insertion port of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b is a side extending ina direction parallel to the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300,and the short side x is an arcuate side extending in the directionintersecting with the long side X.

The extending direction of the long side X of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnectors 320 a and 320 b is different from the extending direction ofthe long side Y of the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d,and accordingly, the concern about erroneous insertion is reduced.However, since there is a concern that the connector section 220 becomeslarge, it is desirable that the short side y of the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d be arranged on the mountingsurface 301 of the substrate 300, and the extending direction of thelong side X of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b andthe extending direction of the long side Y of the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d be orthogonal to each other. In addition, arelationship in which the extending direction of the long side X of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and the extendingdirection of the long side Y of the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320c and 320 d intersect with each other may be employed.

In other words, it is desirable that the extending direction of theshort side x of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b andthe extending direction of the short side y of the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d be orthogonal to each other or intersect witheach other. Accordingly, the concern about erroneous insertion isgreatly reduced.

The short side y of the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 dis shorter than the long side X of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors320 a and 320 b. Therefore, when the plugs 401 a and 401 b of theUSB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b are at an angle that can be insertedinto the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b, that is, in astate where the longitudinal direction of the plugs 401 a and 401 b isparallel to the substrate 300, the concern about erroneous insertioninto the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d is extremelysmall.

Further, compared to a case where the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors320 a and 320 b are mounted on the substrate 300 such that the long sideX is in contact with the mounting surface 301 and mounted on thesubstrate 300 such that the short side x is in contact with the mountingsurface 301, the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b have alarger area in contact with the mounting surface 301 of the substrate300. Therefore, the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b arefirmly fixed to the substrate 300. Therefore, the strength of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b against prying isincreased.

In the connector section 220 illustrated in FIG. 13 , the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are arranged, as it is said, to behorizontally placed with respect to the mounting surface 301, and theUSB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d are arranged, as it issaid, to be vertically placed with respect to the mounting surface 301.

By arranging the connectors to be horizontally placed, the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are firmly fixed to the substrate300 as described above. Further, by arranging the connectors to bevertically placed, the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 dcan narrow the distance between the respective receptacle connectors asdescribed above, such that the connector section 220 can be downsized.

On the contrary, plugs 401 c and 401 d of USB-Type-A cables 400 c and400 d and a plug 401 e of a USB-Type-B cable 400 e are larger than theinsertion ports of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b.Therefore, the plugs 401 c and 401 d of the USB-Type-A cables 400 c and400 d and the plug 401 e of the USB-Type-B cable 400 e cannot bephysically inserted into the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and320 b.

In view of these, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , among the plurality ofreceptacle connectors provided in the connector section 220, it ispreferable that the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 bhaving a small insertion port be arranged at the end portion Z of theplurality of connectors provided in the connector section 220. In otherwords, by arranging the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 bcorresponding to the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400a and 400 b with a concern about erroneous insertion into a plurality ofother receptacle connectors at the end portion Z of the first connectorsurface 221, even in a state where it is difficult for the user tovisually recognize or in a fumbling state, the user can correctlyrecognize the positions of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 aand 320 b, and the concern about erroneous insertion is reduced. The endportion Z is an end portion in the −Y direction in the presentembodiment.

The insertion port of the power supply connector 320 f is circular, andthe USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b, the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d, the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e, and the DK receptacle connector 320 g are rectangular.Here, it is assumed that the power supply connector 320 f is circular,while the other receptacle connectors are rectangular because the othershave corners.

Since the insertion port of the power supply connector 320 f iscircular, even in a state where it is difficult for the user to visuallyrecognize or in a fumbling state, the user can correctly recognize theposition of the power supply connector 320 f. Further, since the shapeof the unevenness of the insertion port of the power supply connector320 f is different from that of other receptacle connectors, the usercan easily recognize the power supply connector 320 f. In other words,even in a state where it is difficult to visually recognize or in afumbling state, the user can correctly recognize the position of thepower supply connector 320 f, such that it becomes easy to recognize theposition of each receptacle connector.

Further, the insertion port of the power supply connector 320 f has astructure in which a plurality of recess portions for inserting the pinsare provided according to the plurality of pins of the power cable 5,and the recess portions are sufficiently small, and thus each cablecannot be inserted into the insertion port of the power supply connector320 f. Therefore, even when each cable is inserted at the position ofthe power supply connector 320 f by mistake, each cable is not inserted,and thus the user can recognize erroneous insertion.

A circular connector is not arranged on the first connector surface 221and a rectangular connector is arranged on the second connector surface222. The circular power supply connector 320 f is arranged not on thefirst connector surface 221, but on the second connector surface 222.The rectangular USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and theUSB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d are arranged on thefirst connector surface 221. By providing the power supply connector 320f that is easy for the user to recognize on the second connector surface222, even in a state where it is difficult to visually recognize or in afumbling state, the first connector surface 221 provided with theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b can be recognized.Therefore, the concern about erroneous insertion is reduced.

For example, when the power supply connector 320 f is arranged betweenthe USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and the DKreceptacle connector 320 g, the user can correctly recognize theposition of the power supply connector 320 f, and thus the concern abouterroneous insertion into the DK receptacle connector 320 g is reduced.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of the cash drawer 270. FIG. 14 isa perspective view of a drawer tray 273 of the cash drawer 270 in aclosed state, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the drawer tray 273of the cash drawer 270 in an open state. Further, FIG. 16 is aperspective view of a buzzer 280.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the cash drawer 270 includes adrawer tray 273 and a drawer kick cable 275. The drawer tray 273 isattached to the cash drawer 270 to be openable/closable. Cash and thelike are stored in the drawer tray 273. Further, the inside of thedrawer tray 273 is divided by the partition plates 274 a, 274 b, 274 c,274 d, and 274 e. For example, the partition plates 274 a, 274 b, 274 c,274 d, and 274 e may be removable. In this case, the internal divisionof the drawer tray 273 can be changed.

The drawer kick cable 275 is coupled to the DK receptacle connector 320g of the connector section 220. In other words, the cash drawer 270 iselectrically coupled to the printing apparatus 2 via the drawer kickcable 275, and the cash drawer 270 can communicate with the controlsection 30 of the printing apparatus 2.

The cash drawer 270 coupled to the printing apparatus 2 is controlled bythe printing apparatus 2. The printing apparatus 2 can controloperations such as opening/closing and locking of the drawer tray 273.On the other hand, the user may be configured to close the drawer tray273, operate a keyhole 274, and manually lock the drawer tray 273.

Further, the buzzer 280 illustrated in FIG. 16 can be coupled to the DKreceptacle connector 320 g of the connector section 220. The buzzer 280includes a volume control knob 281, a speaker 283, and a drawer kickcable 285.

The buzzer 280 is electrically coupled to the printing apparatus 2 viathe drawer kick cable 285, and the buzzer 280 can communicate with thecontrol section 30 of the printing apparatus 2. Accordingly, forexample, a sound is output from the speaker 283 at the time of printingby the printing apparatus 2, and the user can be notified that printingis in progress. The volume of the speaker 283 can be adjusted by thevolume control knob 281. For example, the user can operate the volumecontrol knob 281 to set an appropriate volume according to thesurrounding environment. Further, the buzzer 280 may be set to play amelody as well as a buzzer sound.

Further, the DK receptacle connector 320 g of the connector section 220can be replaced with a LAN receptacle connector. In this case, a LANcable can be coupled to the LAN receptacle connector, and the printingapparatus 2 can be coupled to a network device such as a network hub ora router. The DK receptacle connector 320 g is an example of the LAN orDK receptacle connectors.

1-6. Substrate

The substrate 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 17 . FIG. 17is a view illustrating the substrate 300.

The substrate 300 includes the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a and320 b, the USB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 c and 320 d, theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e, the power supply connector 320 f,the DK receptacle connector 320 g, the first power supply circuit 12 a,the second power supply circuit 12 b, a first locking member 331, and asecond locking member 332.

Further, the substrate 300 has a first side 311, a second side 312, anda third side 313 facing the inner surfaces of the first connectorsurface 221 and the second connector surface 222 of the connectorsection 220. Specifically, the substrate 300 faces the inner surfaces ofthe first connector surface 221 and the second connector surface 222,and the inner surfaces of the first connector surface 221 and the secondconnector surface 222 are orthogonal to the substrate 300.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are provided alongthe first side 311 of the substrate 300.

Further, the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b can becoupled to the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and400 b via the openings 220 a and 220 b provided on the first connectorsurface 221 of the connector section 220.

The USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d are provided alongthe second side 312 of the substrate 300.

Further, the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d can becoupled to the plugs 401 c and 401 d of the USB-Type-A cables 400 c and400 d via the openings 220 c and 220 d provided on the first connectorsurface 221 of the connector section 220.

The USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is provided along the thirdside 313 of the substrate 300.

Further, the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e can be coupled to theplug 401 e of the USB-Type-B cable 400 e via the opening 220 e providedon the second connector surface 222 of the connector section 220.

The power supply connector 320 f is provided along the third side 313 ofthe substrate 300. Further, the power supply connector 320 f can becoupled to the power cable 5 via the opening 220 f provided on thesecond connector surface 222 of the connector section 220. In otherwords, the power supply connector 320 f is a connector that supplieselectric power to the control section 30 of the printing apparatus 2.

The DK receptacle connector 320 g is provided along the third side 313of the substrate 300. Further, the DK receptacle connector 320 g can becoupled to the drawer kick cable 275 and 285 via the opening 220 gprovided on the second connector surface 222 of the connector section220.

The first power supply circuit 12 a includes a first coil 121 a and afirst integrated circuit 122 a. The first integrated circuit 122 aincludes, for example, a DC-DC converter, a resistance element, aswitching element, a transistor, and the like.

The first power supply circuit 12 a converts the electric power suppliedfrom the power supply connector 320 f into appropriate electric power,and supplies electric power to the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320c and 320 d, the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e, and theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. In other words, the first coil121 a supplies the first electric power to the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d, the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e,and the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. The first electric poweris, for example, a constant electric power and a 5 V voltage electricpower.

The second power supply circuit 12 b includes a second coil 121 b and asecond integrated circuit 122 b. The second integrated circuit 122 bincludes, for example, a DC-DC converter, a resistance element, aswitching element, a transistor, and the like.

The second power supply circuit 12 b converts the electric powersupplied from the power supply connector 320 f into appropriate electricpower, and supplies the electric power to the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a. In other words, the second coil 121 b supplies theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a with second electric power equalto or higher than the first electric power. The second electric poweris, for example, variable power and is electric power having a voltageof 5 V, 9 V, or 12 V.

As described above, the USB hub 53 operates between the USB controller34 and the USB interface 60, and is arranged between the first powersupply circuit 12 a and the second power supply circuit 12 b on thesubstrate 300. In other words, the USB hub 53 is arranged between thefirst coil 121 a and the second coil 121 b. In other words, the USB hub53 is arranged between the first power supply circuit 12 a having alarge heat generation amount and the second power supply circuit 12 b.In other words, the USB hub 53 is arranged in the substrate 300 at aposition where the influence of heat generation of the first powersupply circuit 12 a and the second power supply circuit 12 b is small.

Further, the USB hub 53 controls the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320b and the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d according tothe instruction of the USB controller 34. Further, the USB hub 53 servesas a line concentrator and a relay device for the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 b and the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320d.

The first locking member 331 and the second locking member 332 aremembers for fixing the substrate 300 to the main body frame 208 insidethe main body case 200. The first locking member 331 and the secondlocking member 332 engage with the engaged section of the main bodyframe 208 (not illustrated) through the holes 331 a and 332 a providedon the substrate 300. As a result, the connector section 220accommodating the substrate 300 is fixed to the main body frame 208. Forexample, the first locking member 331 and the second locking member 332are metal screws, and the substrate 300 is screwed to the main bodyframe 208.

It is preferable that the holes 331 a and 332 a be provided in thevicinity of the first coil 121 a and the second coil 121 b,respectively. The substrate 300 screwed to the main body frame 208dissipates heat to the main body frame 208 via the screws which are thefirst locking member 331 and the second locking member 332, and heat isalso dissipated from the screw head of the screws which are the firstlocking member 331 and the second locking member 332. Therefore, thefirst locking member 331 and the second locking member 332 arepreferably screws having a large screw head. For example, it ispreferable that the first locking member 331 and the second lockingmember 332 be round screws rather than so-called countersunk headscrews.

Among the components mounted on the mounting surface 301 of thesubstrate 300, the heat generation amount of the first coil 121 a andthe second coil 121 b is large, and thus it is preferable that thesubstrate 300 be screwed to the main body frame 208 in the vicinity ofthe first coil 121 a and the second coil 121 b. Further, since thesubstrate 300 is fixed to the metal main body frame 208 by the metalscrews which are the first locking member 331 and the second lockingmember 332, there is an effect of eliminating static electricity chargedon the substrate 300 and further, there is also an effect of fixing thepotential of the substrate 300.

With reference to FIG. 17 , the positional relationship of thecomponents mounted on the substrate 300 will be described.

In the description, the distances L1 to L7 are defined as follows.Unless otherwise specified, the distances L1 to L7 are the shortestdistances between members, respectively. The distance L1 is a distancefrom the first locking member 331 to the first coil 121 a. A distance L2is a distance from the first locking member 331 to the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b. A distance L3 is a distance from the secondlocking member 332 to the second coil 121 b. A distance L4 is a distancefrom the second locking member 332 to the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a. A distance L5 is a distance from the first coil 121 ato the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. A distance L6 is adistance from the second coil 121 b to the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a. The distance L7 is a distance from the first coil 121 ato the second coil 121 b.

The distance L1 from the first locking member 331 to the first coil 121a is shorter than the distance L2 from the first locking member 331 tothe USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. The heat generation amount ofthe first coil 121 a is larger than the heat generation amount of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. Therefore, by arranging the firstcoil 121 a at a position closer to the first locking member 331 than theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b, there is an effect of heatdissipation of the substrate 300.

The distance L3 from the second locking member 332 to the second coil121 b is shorter than the distance L4 from the second locking member 332to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. The heat generation amountof the second coil 121 b is larger than the heat generation amount ofthe USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. Therefore, by arranging thesecond coil 121 b at a position closer to the second locking member 332than the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a, there is an effect ofheat dissipation of the substrate 300.

The distance L1 is shorter than the distance L5 from the first coil 121a to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. As a result, the firstlocking member 331 dissipates more heat generated by the first coil 121a arranged closer than the heat generated by the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 b. By arranging the first coil 121 a, which generates alarge heat generation amount, near the first locking member 331, theefficiency of heat dissipation of the substrate 300 is enhanced.

When the distance L5 is shorter than the distance L1, the heat generatedby the first coil 121 a, which is a heat source, and the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b will be dissipated by the first lockingmember 331, and thus there is a concern that the efficiency of heatdissipation of the substrate 300 deteriorates.

The distance L3 is shorter than the distance L6 from the second coil 121b to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. As a result, the secondlocking member 332 dissipates more heat generated by the second coil 121b arranged closer than the heat generated by the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a. By arranging the second coil 121 b, which generates aheat generation amount, near the second locking member 332, theefficiency of heat dissipation of the substrate 300 is enhanced.

When the distance L6 is shorter than the distance L3, the heat generatedby the second coil 121 b, which is a heat source, and the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a will be dissipated by the second lockingmember 332, and thus there is a concern that the efficiency of heatdissipation of the substrate 300 deteriorates.

Further, the distance L6 is shorter than the distance L5. As describedabove, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a corresponds to USB PD,and the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b does not correspond to USBPD. In other words, the power consumption of the second power supplycircuit 12 b is larger than the power consumption of the first powersupply circuit 12 a. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance L6from the second coil 121 b included in the second power supply circuit12 b to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a be shorter than thedistance L5 from the first coil 121 a included in the first power supplycircuit 12 a to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. When electricpower is supplied from the second power supply circuit 12 b to theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a, the loss of electric powersupplied from the second power supply circuit 12 b is suppressed.

Further, the distance L4 is shorter than the distance L2. As mentionedabove, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a corresponds to USB PD,and the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b does not correspond to USBPD, and thus the heat generation amount of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a is larger than the heat generation amount of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. Therefore, it is preferable thatthe distance L4 from the second locking member 332 to the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a be shorter than the distance L2 from thefirst locking member 331 to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b,and the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a having a large heatgeneration amount, be arranged on the limited mounting surface 301 ofthe substrate 300 to more easily dissipate heat. As a result, there isan effect of heat dissipation of the entire substrate 300.

Further, the distance L1 is shorter than the distance L7. Therefore, thefirst locking member 331 can efficiently dissipate the heat generated bythe first coil 121 a while suppressing the influence of the heatgenerated by the second coil 121 b on the USB hub 53.

Further, the distance L3 is shorter than the distance L7. Therefore, thesecond locking member 332 can efficiently dissipate the heat generatedby the second coil 121 b while suppressing the influence of the heatgenerated by the first coil 121 a on the USB hub 53.

When the distance L7 is set to be large, that is, by separating thefirst coil 121 a and the second coil 121 b, which generate a large heatgeneration amount, among the components mounted on the substrate 300,the heat generation points on the substrate 300 are can be dispersed,and the efficiency of heat dissipation can be enhanced.

1-7. USB Cable

With reference to FIG. 18 , how the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b,the USB-Type-A cables 400 c and 400 d, and the USB-Type-B cable 400 eare being coupled to the connector section 220 will be described. FIG.18 is a view illustrating the USB-Type-C cable 400 a and 400 b, theUSB-Type-A cable 400 c and 400 d, the USB-Type-B cable 400 e, and theconnector section 220.

The USB-Type-C cable 400 a includes the plug 401 a, a covering section402 a, and a coupling cable 407 a. The plug 401 a is electricallycoupled to the coupling cable 407 a, and the coupling part thereof iscovered with the covering section 402 a. The plug 401 a is exposed fromthe end portion 403 a of the covering section 402 a and is coupled tothe USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. Specifically, the plug 401 aof the USB-Type-C cable 400 a is inserted into the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a via the opening 220 a.

The USB-Type-C cable 400 b includes the plug 401 b, a covering section402 b, and a coupling cable 407 b. The plug 401 b is electricallycoupled to the coupling cable 407 b, and the coupling part thereof iscovered with the covering section 402 b. The plug 401 b is exposed fromthe end portion 403 b of the covering section 402 b and is coupled tothe USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. Specifically, the plug 401 bof the USB-Type-C cable 400 b is inserted into the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 b via the opening 220 b.

The USB-Type-A cable 400 c includes the plug 401 c, a covering section402 c, and a coupling cable 407 c. The plug 401 c is electricallycoupled to the coupling cable 407 c, and the coupling part thereof iscovered with the covering section 402 c. The plug 401 c is exposed fromthe end portion 403 c of the covering section 402 c and is coupled tothe USB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 c. Specifically, the plug 401 cof the USB-Type-A cable 400 c is inserted into the USB-Type-A receptacleconnector 320 c via the opening 220 c.

The USB-Type-A cable 400 d includes the plug 401 d, a covering section402 d, and a coupling cable 407 d. The plug 401 d is electricallycoupled to the coupling cable 407 d, and the coupling part thereof iscovered with the covering section 402 d. The plug 401 d is exposed fromthe end portion 403 d of the covering section 402 d and is coupled tothe USB-Type-A receptacle connector 320 d. Specifically, the plug 401 dof the USB-Type-A cable 400 d is inserted into the USB-Type-A receptacleconnector 320 d via the opening 220 d.

The USB-Type-B cable 400 e includes the plug 401 e, a covering section402 e, and a coupling cable 407 e. The plug 401 e is electricallycoupled to the coupling cable 407 e, and the coupling part thereof iscovered with the covering section 402 e. The plug 401 e is exposed fromthe end portion 403 e of the covering section 402 e and is coupled tothe USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e. Specifically, the plug 401 eof the USB-Type-B cable 400 e is inserted into the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e via the opening 220 e.

A length Xc of the exposed part of the plugs 401 a and 401 b of theUSB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b is shorter than a length Xa of theexposed part of the plugs 401 c and 401 d of the USB-Type-A cables 400 cand 400 d.

For example, when the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 dand the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are providedside by side along the same side, and the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d are inserted into the USB-Type-A cables 400 cand 400 d, when the end portions 403 c and 403 d of the USB-Type-Acables 400 c and 400 d are in contact with the first connector surface221, there is a concern that the plugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-Ccables 400 a and 400 b cannot be inserted into the USB-Type-C receptacleconnectors 320 a and 320 b.

This is because the length Xc of the exposed part of the plugs 401 a and401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b is shorter and shorterthan the length Xa of the exposed part of the plugs 401 c and 401 d ofthe USB-Type-A cables 400 c and 400 d, and due to this, the plugs 401 aand 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b cannot be insertedinto the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b. In otherwords, there is a concern that the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b arein a so-called half-inserted state.

In order to reduce the possibility of the above-described half-insertedstate, the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are arrangedto be closer to the first connector surface 221 than the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d. Specifically, the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are arranged along the first side311 of the substrate 300, and the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 cand 320 d are arranged along the second side 312 of the substrate 300.

When there is no step A between the first side 311 and the second side312 of the substrate 300, the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and320 d are arranged at a position further from the first connectorsurface 221 than the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b.In this case, a gap is created between the openings 220 c and 220 d andthe USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d, and there is aconcern that foreign matter such as dust and insects enters theconnector section 220 through the gap and adheres onto the mountingsurface 301 of the substrate 300.

By providing the step A between the first side 311 and the second side312 of the substrate 300, the gap between the openings 220 c and 220 dand the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d is reduced, andthe insertion ports of the openings 220 c and 220 d and the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d coincide with each other.Accordingly, the concern about adhesion on the mounting surface 301 ofthe substrate 300 is reduced.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 , a case where the USB-Type-C cables400 a and 400 b and the USB-Type-A cables 400 c and 400 d are insertedinto the connector section 220 will be described. FIG. 19 illustrates afirst state and FIG. 20 illustrates a second state. In addition, adirection in which the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b and theUSB-Type-A cables 400 c and 400 d are inserted into the connectorsection 220 is set as a first direction.

In describing FIGS. 19 and 20 , distances D1 to D4 are defined asfollows. Unless otherwise specified, the distances D1 to D4 are theshortest distance therebetween. The distance D1 is a distance from thefirst side 311 of the substrate 300 to the inner surface of the firstconnector surface 221. The distance D2 is a distance from the secondside 312 of the substrate 300 to the inner surface of the firstconnector surface 221. The distance D3 is a distance from the insertionport of the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b to the endportions 403 a and 403 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b. Thedistance D4 is a distance from the insertion port of the USB-Type-Areceptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d to the end portions 403 c and 403d of the USB-Type-A cables 400 c and 400 d.

As illustrated in FIG. 19 , in the first state, the distance D1 from theinner surface of the first connector surface 221 to the first side 311is shorter than the distance D2 from the inner surface of the firstconnector surface 221 to the second side 312, and the difference betweenthe distance D2 and the distance D1 is equal to or greater than thedifference between the distance D4 and the distance D3. Condition 1 isthe relationship between the distances D1, D2, D3, and D4. In order tosatisfy this condition 1, when the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320a and 320 b and the USB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d arearranged side by side, the concern about the above-describedhalf-inserted state is reduced.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 20 , in the second state, the substrate300 may be arranged to face the first connector surface 221 such thatthe first side 311 is in contact with the inner surface of the firstconnector surface 221. In this case, in addition to reducing the concernabout the above-described half-inserted state, the alignment of thesubstrate 300 and the first connector surface 221 with reference to thefirst side 311 becomes easy.

Further, even when the end portions 403 a and 403 b of the USB-Type-Ccables 400 a and 400 b and the end portions 403 c and 403 d of theUSB-Type-A cables 400 c and 400 d may be in contact with the outersurface of the first connector surface 221. In this case, in addition toreducing the concern about the above-described half-inserted state, byinserting the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b and the USB-Type-Acables 400 c and 400 d into the connector section 220, the gaps betweenthe openings 220 a and 220 b and the openings 220 c and 220 d arereduced, and thus the concern about foreign matter such as dust orinsects entering the connector section 220 is reduced.

In the second state, the distance D1 from the inner surface of the firstconnector surface 221 to the first side 311 is zero, the differencebetween the distance D4 and the distance D3 is zero, and thus thedifference between the distance D2 and the distance D1 is equal to orgreater than the difference between the distance D4 and the distance D3.Since the second state also satisfies the first condition, the sameeffect as that of the first state can be obtained.

Since the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are smallerthan other receptacle connectors such as the USB-Type-A receptacleconnectors 320 c and 320 d, the ground contact area with the mountingsurface 301 of the substrate 300 is also smaller than that of theUSB-Type-A receptacle connectors 320 c and 320 d. Therefore, it ispreferable that the entire USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and320 b be arranged on the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300. Forexample, when the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b arearranged to protrude from the substrate 300, a sufficient ground contactarea with the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300 cannot besecured, and the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b arevulnerable to an external force load due to prying or the like of theplugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20 , the insertion port of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b are arranged along the first side311 of the substrate 300, and accordingly, the ground contact areabetween the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b and themounting surface 301 of the substrate 300 can be sufficiently secured.Therefore, by providing the step A between the first side 311 and thesecond side 312 of the substrate 300, and arranging the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b along the first side 311protruding from the second side 312, the USB-Type-C receptacleconnectors 320 a and 320 b can shorten the distance between theinsertion port and the first connector surface 221 while securing theground contact area with the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300,and as a result, the concern about the above-described state where theplugs 401 a and 401 b of the USB-Type-C cables 400 a and 400 b will behalf-inserted into the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 bcan be suppressed.

1-8. Fixing USB-Type-C Receptacle Connector

The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a will be described withreference to FIG. 21 . FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a. The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 bwill be described with reference to FIG. 22 . FIG. 22 is a perspectiveview of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. The USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b has the same configuration as that of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a includes a first part 322 a, asecond part 323 a, coupling parts 324 a and 325 a, and projectionportions 327 a and 328 a.

The first part 322 a is formed in a planar shape and constitutes thebottom surface of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. Further,the second part 323 a is formed in a planar shape, faces the first part322 a, and constitutes the upper surface of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a. The coupling parts 324 a and 325 a are curved andcouple the first part 322 a and the second part 323 a, respectively.Further, the coupling parts 324 a and 325 a form the side surface of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a.

Similar to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a, the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b includes a third part 322 b, a fourth part323 b, coupling parts 324 b and 325 b, and projection portions 327 b and328 b.

The third part 322 b is formed in a planar shape and constitutes thebottom surface of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b. Further,the fourth part 323 b is formed in a planar shape, faces the third part322 b, and constitutes the upper surface of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 b. The coupling parts 324 b and 325 b are curved andcouple the third part 322 b and the fourth part 323 b, respectively.Further, the coupling parts 324 b and 325 b form the side surface of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b.

When the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is mounted on thesubstrate 300, the first part 322 a constituting the bottom surface isin contact with the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300, thesecond part 323 a constituting the upper surface is pressed by aprevention section 340 a illustrated in FIG. 23 , and the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a is fixed not to be peeled off from themounting surface 301.

When the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b is mounted on thesubstrate 300, the third part 322 b constituting the bottom surface isin contact with the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300, thefourth part 323 b constituting the upper surface is pressed by aprevention section 340 b illustrated in FIG. 23 , and the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 b is fixed not to be peeled off from themounting surface 301.

Further, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a has an opening 321 aand a back surface 326 a. The plug 401 a of the USB-Type-C cable 400 ais inserted through the opening 321 a and is in contact with a pin (notillustrated) provided inside the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a.This pin is provided on the back surface 326 a, for example, and iselectrically coupled to and controlled by the USB controller 34. As aresult, the external device 10 a coupled to the printing apparatus 2 bythe USB-Type-C cable 400 a and the printing apparatus 2 can communicatewith each other.

The projection portions 327 a and 328 a fix the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a to the mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300. Forexample, when the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is mounted onthe mounting surface 301 of the substrate 300, the first part 322 aconstituting the bottom surface and the mounting surface 301 may befixed by a bonding agent such as an adhesive. However, the twoprojection portions 327 a and 328 a may be fixed by piercing thesubstrate 300. As a result, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a isfixed to the substrate 300, and the concern about peeling from thesubstrate 300 is reduced.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a preferably has a plurality ofprojection portions. By having a plurality of projection portionsincluded in the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a pierce themounting surface 301, the concern that the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a will be peeled off from the substrate 300 is furtherreduced. The projection portions 327 a and 328 a are examples of theplurality of projection portions.

The prevention sections 340 a and 340 b will be described with referenceto FIGS. 23 and 24 .

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the prevention sections 340 a and 340 bwhen the first connector surface 221 is viewed in a plan view. FIG. 24is an exploded perspective view of the prevention section 340 a and theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 23 , the prevention sections 340 a and 340 b areaccommodated inside the connector section 220, and press and fix theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b, respectively. Further,the projection portions 327 a and 328 a of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a pierce into the substrate 300, and accordingly, theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is fixed to the substrate 300. Theprevention section 340 a is an example of the first prevention section,and the prevention section 340 b is an example of the second preventionsection.

The prevention sections 340 a and 340 b include metal right anglemembers 450 a and 450 b and conductive soft gaskets 500 a and 500 b. Theright angle members 450 a and 450 b are made of metal and are fixed tothe first connector surface 221 by screws 350 a and 350 b. In otherwords, the right angle members 450 a and 450 b are screwed to the firstconnector surface 221. As a result, the potentials of the preventionsections 340 a and 340 b are fixed, and for example, there are theeffect of removing static electricity charged on the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b, and the effect of protecting theUSB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b from electromagneticnoise. The right angle member 450 a is an example of a first right anglemember, and the right angle member 450 a is an example of a second rightangle member.

The soft gaskets 500 a and 500 b are stretchable members such assponges, and are bonded to the right angle members 450 a and 450 b by abonding agent such as double-sided tape. The soft gaskets 500 a and 500b illustrated in FIG. 23 block between the right angle members 450 a and450 b and the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b. In otherwords, the soft gaskets 500 a and 500 b are sandwiched between the rightangle members 450 a and 450 b and the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors320 a and 320 b, and are contracted more than in the normal state. Thesoft gasket 500 a is an example of the first soft gasket, and the softgasket 500 b is an example of the second soft gasket.

Therefore, among the members included in the prevention sections 340 aand 340 b, the soft gaskets 500 a and 500 b press the USB-Type-Creceptacle connectors 320 a and 320 b, and accordingly, the preventionsections 340 a and 340 b fix the USB-Type-C receptacle connectors 320 aand 320 b. Since the soft gasket 500 a is a stretchable member, theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a can be installed without beingdamaged when the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is pressed.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the prevention section 340 aand the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. Since the right anglemember 450 b has the same structure as that of the right angle member450 a, the description of the right angle member 450 a will be usedinstead. The right angle member 450 a has a bonding surface 451 a, ascrew hole 452 a, side surfaces 453 a and 454 a, an upper surface 455 a,and a back surface 456 a.

The bonding surface 451 a and the upper surface 455 a are formed in aplate shape and form a right angle to each other. The screw hole 452 ais provided on the bonding surface 451 a, and the right angle member 450a is fixed to the first connector surface 221 by engaging the screw hole452 a with the screw 350 a. In other words, the metal right angle member450 a is screwed to the first connector surface 221.

As described above, the soft gasket 500 a has conductivity, and when themetal right angle member 450 a is screwed to the first connector surface221, the soft gasket 500 a has the same potential as that of the firstconnector surface 221. Therefore, the potential of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a pressed against the soft gasket 500 a isstable and becomes strong against noise and static electricity.

In a state where the right angle member 450 a is fixed to the firstconnector surface 221, the upper surface 455 a is parallel to themounting surface 301 of the substrate 300. In other words, the uppersurface 455 a is parallel to the first part 322 a constituting thebottom surface and the second part 323 a constituting the upper surfaceof the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a.

The soft gasket 500 a is fitted into a space S defined by the sidesurfaces 453 a and 454 a, the upper surface 455 a, and the back surface456 a of the right angle member 450 a. As illustrated in FIG. 24 , thesize of the space S is approximately a width W, a depth D, and a heightH.

Among the members included in the prevention section 340 a, the softgasket 500 a presses the second part 323 a constituting the uppersurface of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a, and accordingly,the prevention section 340 a fixes the USB-Type-C receptacle connector320 a. Therefore, it is preferable that the soft gasket 500 a be broughtinto contact with the second part 323 a constituting the upper surfaceof the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a to increase the contactarea. In other words, it is preferable that the soft gasket 500 a nothave a gap as much as possible between the soft gasket 500 a and thesecond part 323 a constituting the upper surface of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a.

Specifically, it is preferable that the width Wa of the soft gasket 500a be larger than the width W of the space S, and the soft gasket 500 abe compressed by the side surfaces 453 a and 454 a of the right anglemember 450 a. By increasing the area in which the soft gasket 500 apresses the second part 323 a constituting the upper surface of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a in the width Wa direction, thesoft gasket 500 a firmly fixes the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 ato the substrate 300.

Further, it is preferable that a height Ha of the soft gasket 500 a belarger than the height H, and specifically, be in contact with at leastthe second part 323 a constituting the upper surface of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector 320 a. Since the soft gasket 500 a contracts, it ispreferable to increase the height Ha of the soft gasket 500 a such thatthe soft gasket 500 a can press the second part 323 a constituting theupper surface of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a.

It is preferable that a depth Da of the soft gasket 500 a not becomeextremely large. When the depth Da of the soft gasket 500 a isincreased, the area where the soft gasket 500 a presses the second part323 a constituting the upper surface of the USB-Type-C receptacleconnector 320 a can be increased in the depth Da direction. However,when the depth Da of the soft gasket 500 a becomes extremely large,there is a concern that the compressed soft gasket 500 a reaches thevicinity of the opening 321 a of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320a, and thus it is preferable that the depth Da of the soft gasket 500 abecome as large as the depth D. More preferably, the soft gasket 500 ahas a size that fits in the space S.

In a state where the compressed soft gasket 500 a reaches the vicinityof the opening 321 a of the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a, thereis a concern that the plug 401 a of the USB-Type-C cable 400 a comesinto contact with the compressed soft gasket 500 a. Since the potentialof the plug 401 a of the USB-Type-C cable 400 a and the potential of thecompressed soft gasket 500 a are not always the same, for example, thereis a concern about malfunction or failure of the external device 10 acoupled by the USB-Type-C cable 400 a.

2. MODIFICATION EXAMPLE 2-1. Modification Example 1

Modification Example 1 of the connector section 220 of the presentembodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 25 . A configurationexample of a connector section 2201 in Modification Example 1 will bedescribed. In describing Modification Example 1, the same configurationsas those in the present embodiment will be given the same referencenumerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.FIG. 25 is a plan view of the first connector surface 221 and the secondconnector surface 222 of the connector section 220 of ModificationExample 2.

The arrangement of the plurality of connectors provided on the secondconnector surface 222 of the connector section 2201 of ModificationExample 1 is different from that of the present embodiment, and thepositions of the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e and the powersupply connector 320 f are different.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the power supply connector 320f is arranged between the DK receptacle connector 320 g and theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e. In Modification Example 1, theUSB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e is arranged between the DKreceptacle connector 320 g and the power supply connector 320 f.

Since the USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e has less concern abouterroneous insertion than the DK receptacle connector 320 g, and thussuch an arrangement may be used. In other words, even in a state whereit is difficult to visually recognize or in a fumbling state, the usercan correctly recognize the position of the USB-Type-B receptacleconnector 320 e, and thus there is less concern about erroneousinsertion into the DK receptacle connector 320 g.

2-2. Modification Example 2

Modification Example 2 of the substrate 300 of the present embodimentwill be described with reference to FIG. 26 . A configuration example ofa substrate 300 a in Modification Example 2 will be described. Indescribing Modification Example 2, the same configurations as those inthe present embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, andthe description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 26 is aschematic view of the substrate 300 a of Modification Example 2.

Unlike the present embodiment, the substrate 300 a of ModificationExample 2 is provided with a slot 320 h. Specifically, on the substrate300 of the present embodiment, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 ais arranged, but the substrate 300 a of Modification Example 2 has theslot 320 h into which a memory card can be inserted instead of theUSB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a. The slot 320 h is controlled bythe CPU 31 via the system bus 41, and the data on the memory card isrewritten. For example, the slot 320 h corresponds to an SD card, amicro SD card, or the like.

By operating the smart device 3 a coupled to the USB-Type-C interface 60a, the user can store the accounting information in the memory card.Further, the smart device 3 a can cause the printing apparatus 2 toexecute printing based on the data stored in the memory card. Forexample, the printing apparatus 2 can print accounting information andthe like stored in a memory card.

Further, unlike the present embodiment, the second power supply circuit12 b may supply electric power to the USB-Type-C receptacle connector320 b. In this case, the USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 b can alsobe used as a connector that correspond to USB PD.

3. ELECTRONIC DEVICE

An electronic device 500 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 27 . FIG. 27 is a functional blockdiagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic device500 of the present embodiment.

The electronic device 500 may include a semiconductor integrated circuit505, a CPU 510, an operation section 520, a ROM 530, a RAM 540, acommunication section 550, a display section 560, and an audio outputsection 570. The electronic device 500 may have a configuration in whichsome of these elements are omitted or changed, or other elements areadded.

The semiconductor integrated circuit 505 performs various processing inresponse to a command from the CPU 510. For example, the semiconductorintegrated circuit 505 corrects the input data or converts the dataformat in response to a command from the CPU 510.

The CPU 510 performs various arithmetic processing and controlprocessing using data and the like supplied from the semiconductorintegrated circuit 505 according to a program stored in the ROM 530 andthe like. For example, the CPU 510 performs various data processingaccording to the operation signal supplied from the operation section520, controls the communication section 550 for data communication withthe outside, generates an image signal for displaying various images onthe display section 560, and generates an audio signal for outputtingvarious audio to the audio output section 570.

The operation section 520 is, for example, an input device including anoperation key, a button switch, and the like, and outputs an operationsignal corresponding to the operation by the user to the CPU 510. TheROM 530 stores programs, data, and the like for the CPU 510 to performvarious arithmetic processing and control processing. Further, the RAM540 is used as a work area of the CPU 510, and temporarily storesprograms and data read from the ROM 530, data input using the operationsection 520, calculation results obtained by the CPU 510 executing theprogram, and the like.

The communication section 550 is composed of, for example, an analogcircuit and a digital circuit, and performs data communication betweenthe CPU 510 and the external device. The display section 560 includes,for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays various typesof information based on a display signal supplied from the CPU 510.Further, the audio output section 570 includes, for example, a speakerand the like, and outputs audio based on an audio signal supplied fromthe CPU 510.

As described above, the electronic device 500 may be, for example, aprinting apparatus provided with the printing section 20 that performsprinting on the medium P. Further, for example, the electronic device500 includes a projector, an electronic dictionary, an electronic gamedevice, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a digital stillcamera, a digital video camera, a television, a recorder, a securitymonitor, a head mount display, a personal computer, a network device, acar navigation device, a measuring device, a medical device (forexample, an electronic thermometer, a blood pressure manometer, a bloodglucose monitoring system, an electrocardiogram measuring device, anultrasonic diagnostic device, and an electronic endoscope), and thelike.

The USB-Type-C receptacle connector 320 a is an example of the firstreceptacle connector. The external device 10 a is an example of thefirst external device. The DK receptacle connector 320 g is an exampleof the second receptacle connector. The cash drawer 270 is an example ofthe second external device. The USB-Type-B receptacle connector 320 e isan example of the third receptacle connector. The external device 10 eis an example of the third external device. The USB-Type-A receptacleconnector 320 c is an example of the fourth receptacle connector. Theexternal device 10 c is an example of the fourth external device. Theplug 401 a of the USB-Type-C cable 400 a is an example of the plug ofthe USB-Type-C cable.

The embodiments and the modification examples have been described above,but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and can beimplemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof.For example, the above-described embodiments can also be appropriatelycombined with each other.

The present disclosure includes substantially the same configurations(for example, configurations having the same functions, methods, andresults, or configurations having the same objects and effects) as theconfigurations described in the embodiments. Further, the presentdisclosure includes configurations in which non-essential parts of theconfiguration described in the embodiments are replaced. In addition,the present disclosure includes configurations that achieve the sameoperational effects or configurations that can achieve the same objectsas those of the configurations described in the embodiment. Further, thepresent disclosure includes configurations in which a known technologyis added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

The following contents are derived from the above-described embodimentsand modification examples.

According to an aspect, there is provided a printing apparatusincluding: a printing section that performs printing on a medium; acontrol section that controls drive of the printing section; a powersupply connector that supplies electric power to the control section; afirst receptacle connector that is electrically coupled to a firstexternal device and configured to cause the first external device tocommunicate with the control section; and a second receptacle connectorthat is electrically coupled to a second external device and configuredto cause the second external device to communicate with the controlsection, in which the first receptacle connector is a USB-Type-Creceptacle connector, the second receptacle connector is a LAN or DKreceptacle connector, a plug of a USB-Type-C cable is configured to bephysically inserted into the second receptacle connector, the plug isconfigured not to be physically inserted into the power supplyconnector, and the power supply connector is arranged between the firstreceptacle connector and the second receptacle connector.

According to this printing apparatus, the plug of the USB-Type-C cablecan be erroneously inserted into the LAN or DK receptacle connectorwhich is the second receptacle connector instead of the USB-Type-Creceptacle connector which is the first receptacle connector. Since thepower supply connector into which the plug of the USB-Type-C cable isnot erroneously inserted is arranged between the first receptacleconnector and the second receptacle connector, and thus the user cancorrectly recognize the positions of the first receptacle connector andthe second receptacle connector. Therefore, the plug of the USB-Type-Ccable can be correctly inserted into the first receptacle connectorwithout being erroneously inserted into the second receptacle connector.As a result, it is possible to reduce the concern about malfunction ofthe second external device, the concern about damage to the secondexternal device and the second receptacle connector, and the like.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, a medium dischargeport for discharging the medium may further be provided, and a user maynot visually recognize the power supply connector, the first receptacleconnector, and the second receptacle connector in a state where themedium discharge port is visually recognizable.

According to this printing apparatus, the user can confirm the contentsprinted on the medium while visually recognizing the medium dischargedfrom the medium discharge port. Further, when the user can visuallyrecognize the medium discharge port, the power supply connector, thefirst receptacle connector, and the second receptacle connector cannotbe visually recognized, and thus the user can perform printing withoutcaring about the wiring coupled to each connector.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, a main body case foraccommodating the printing section, and a medium discharge port fordischarging the medium may further be provided, the medium dischargeport may be arranged on a first case surface of the main body case, andthe power supply connector, the first receptacle connector, and thesecond receptacle connector may be arranged on a first main body framesurface inside the main body case, which is different from the firstcase surface.

According to this printing apparatus, the medium discharge port, thepower supply connector, the first receptacle connector, and the secondreceptacle connector are arranged on different surfaces, and thus themedium to be printed and discharged from the medium discharge port issmoothly discharged from the medium discharge port without coming intocontact with the cable coupled to each connector.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, a third receptacleconnector that is electrically coupled to a third external device andconfigured to cause the third external device to communicate with thecontrol section may further be provided, the third receptacle connectormay be a USB-Type-B receptacle connector, the plug may be configured tobe physically inserted into the third receptacle connector, an insertionport of the third receptacle connector may be smaller than an insertionport of the second receptacle connector, and the third receptacleconnector may be arranged between the first receptacle connector and thesecond receptacle connector.

According to this printing apparatus, the third receptacle connectorwith less concern about the erroneous insertion of the plug of theUSB-Type-C cable than the second receptacle connector is arrangedbetween the first receptacle connector and the second receptacleconnector, and thus the concern about erroneous insertion of the plug ofthe USB-Type-C cable into the second receptacle connector can bereduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the concern aboutmalfunction of the second external device, the concern about damage tothe second external device and the second receptacle connector, and thelike.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, the third receptacleconnector may be arranged between the second receptacle connector andthe power supply connector.

According to this printing apparatus, the third receptacle connectorwith less concern about the erroneous insertion of the plug of theUSB-Type-C cable than the second receptacle connector is arrangedbetween the second receptacle connector and the power supply connector,and thus the concern about erroneous insertion of the plug of theUSB-Type-C cable into the second receptacle connector can be reduced. Asa result, it is possible to reduce the concern about malfunction of thesecond external device, the concern about damage to the second externaldevice and the second receptacle connector, and the like.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, a fourth receptacleconnector that is electrically coupled to a fourth external device andconfigured to cause the fourth external device to communicate with thecontrol section may further be provided, the fourth receptacle connectormay be a USB-Type-A receptacle connector, the plug may be configured tobe physically inserted into the fourth receptacle connector, aninsertion port of the fourth receptacle connector may be smaller than aninsertion port of the second receptacle connector, and the fourthreceptacle connector may be arranged between the first receptacleconnector and the second receptacle connector.

According to this printing apparatus, the fourth receptacle connectorwith less concern about the erroneous insertion of the plug of theUSB-Type-C cable than the second receptacle connector is arrangedbetween the first receptacle connector and the second receptacleconnector, and thus the concern about erroneous insertion of the plug ofthe USB-Type-C cable into the second receptacle connector can bereduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the concern aboutmalfunction of the second external device, the concern about damage tothe second external device and the second receptacle connector, and thelike.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, a fourth receptacleconnector that is electrically coupled to a fourth external device andconfigured to cause the fourth external device to communicate with thecontrol section may further be provided, the fourth receptacle connectormay be a USB-Type-A receptacle connector, the plug may be configured tobe physically inserted into the fourth receptacle connector, aninsertion port of the fourth receptacle connector may be smaller thanthe insertion port of the second receptacle connector, the fourthreceptacle connector may be arranged between the first receptacleconnector and the second receptacle connector, the insertion port of thefourth receptacle connector may be smaller than the insertion port ofthe third receptacle connector, and the fourth receptacle connector maybe arranged between the first receptacle connector and the thirdreceptacle connector.

According to this printing apparatus, the fourth receptacle connectorwith less concern about the erroneous insertion of the plug of theUSB-Type-C cable than the third receptacle connector is arranged betweenthe first receptacle connector and the third receptacle connector, andthus the concern about erroneous insertion of the plug of the USB-Type-Ccable into the second receptacle connector can be reduced. As a result,it is possible to reduce the concern about malfunction of the thirdexternal device, the concern about damage to the third external deviceand the third receptacle connector, and the like.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect, a long side of aninsertion port of the first receptacle connector and a long side of theinsertion port of the fourth receptacle connector may be in differentdirections from each other.

According to this printing apparatus, the first receptacle connector andthe fourth receptacle connector are arranged such that the long sidedirection of the first receptacle connector and the long side directionof the fourth receptacle connector are different from each other, andthus it is possible to reduce the concern about erroneous insertion ofthe plug of the USB-Type-C cable.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing apparatus comprising: a printingsection that performs printing on a medium; a control section thatcontrols drive of the printing section; a power supply connector thatsupplies electric power to the control section; a first receptacleconnector that is electrically coupled to a first external device andconfigured to cause the first external device to communicate with thecontrol section; and a second receptacle connector that is electricallycoupled to a second external device and configured to cause the secondexternal device to communicate with the control section, wherein thefirst receptacle connector is a USB-Type-C receptacle connector, thesecond receptacle connector is a LAN or DK receptacle connector, a plugof a USB-Type-C cable is configured to be physically inserted into thesecond receptacle connector, the plug is configured not to be physicallyinserted into the power supply connector, and the power supply connectoris arranged between the first receptacle connector and the secondreceptacle connector.
 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: a medium discharge port for discharging the medium,wherein a user does not visually recognize the power supply connector,the first receptacle connector, and the second receptacle connector in astate where the medium discharge port is visually recognizable.
 3. Theprinting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a main bodycase for accommodating the printing section; and a medium discharge portfor discharging the medium, wherein the medium discharge port isarranged on a first case surface of the main body case, and the powersupply connector, the first receptacle connector, and the secondreceptacle connector are arranged on a first main body frame surfaceinside the main body case, which is different from the first casesurface.
 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a third receptacle connector that is electrically coupled toa third external device and configured to cause the third externaldevice to communicate with the control section r, wherein the thirdreceptacle connector is a USB-Type-B receptacle connector, the plug isconfigured to be physically inserted into the third receptacleconnector, an insertion port of the third receptacle connector issmaller than an insertion port of the second receptacle connector, andthe third receptacle connector is arranged between the first receptacleconnector and the second receptacle connector.
 5. The printing apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the third receptacle connector is arrangedbetween the second receptacle connector and the power supply connector.6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: afourth receptacle connector that is electrically coupled to a fourthexternal device and configured to cause the fourth external device tocommunicate with the control section, wherein the fourth receptacleconnector is a USB-Type-A receptacle connector, the plug is configuredto be physically inserted into the fourth receptacle connector, aninsertion port of the fourth receptacle connector is smaller than aninsertion port of the second receptacle connector, and the fourthreceptacle connector is arranged between the first receptacle connectorand the second receptacle connector.
 7. The printing apparatus accordingto claim 4, further comprising: a fourth receptacle connector that iselectrically coupled to a fourth external device and configured to causethe fourth external device to communicate with the control section,wherein the fourth receptacle connector is a USB-Type-A receptacleconnector, the plug is configured to be physically inserted into thefourth receptacle connector, an insertion port of the fourth receptacleconnector is smaller than the insertion port of the second receptacleconnector, the fourth receptacle connector is arranged between the firstreceptacle connector and the second receptacle connector, the insertionport of the fourth receptacle connector is smaller than the insertionport of the third receptacle connector, and the fourth receptacleconnector is arranged between the first receptacle connector and thethird receptacle connector.
 8. The printing apparatus according to claim7, wherein a long side of an insertion port of the first receptacleconnector and a long side of the insertion port of the fourth receptacleconnector are in different directions from each other.